A to Z for intercultural couples

In Finland, a cover letter should not be longer than one page. Your cover letter should especially describe your concrete achievements, with numbers and figures if possible. Regarding the format of the cover letter, we have often observed with our participants at Familia, that the words chosen were sometimes not exactly fitting in a Finnish context. When in most countries, the cover letter is used to sell oneself, in Finland it is more used to give facts. We have therefore often advised to avoid the use of too many superlatives of “strong” words. Instead of “Loving”a sector, you might want to write that you are “passionate” about it. Instead of you being “extremely talented” you might want to describe the very good results you got and let them speak by themselves. Our participants have also often asked if they should write their cover letter or resume in Finnish or in English. If the job opening is in English, you can write in English freely. If you have the choice between the two languages, you can also write in English without a doubt. If you are answering to a job offer in Finnish or sending an open application, we would advise you to send a resume and a cover letter that you are able to write by yourself. Of course, you can have someone spellcheck it. But we would advise you to make sure not to give a false image of your abilities, especially when it comes to high skilled jobs.

The content of your cover letter should include your motivation to apply to this specific position, your specific skills and results, and how you and the company could benefit from each other.

You can ask your Finnish spouse to spellcheck it or read it through, but remember that this might feel like being responsible for a partner’s job-hunt and might cause a lot of stress for your partner. There are solutions for it: CV clinic are offered by several NGO's free of charge.

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A to Z

Our complete guide to employment, integration, and well-being in Finland for foreigners with a Finnish partner and intercultural couples